Many upstream companies produce a significant amount of natural gas liquids (NGLs) along with dry natural gas and crude oil. These companies enjoy more revenue when NGL prices increase and see less revenue when NGL prices decrease.

Using a representative composite NGL barrel (NGLs comprise several different hydrocarbons), NGL prices rose 4.8% for the week ended March 28, in a positive indicator for upstream companies, especially those with relatively more NGL production. From a longer term perspective, the composite NGL barrel has remained relatively stable at ~$35-40/barrel since July 2012.

Natural gas liquids, or NGLs, refer to a group of hydrocarbons (ethane, propane, butanes, and pentanes) that are often found alongside dry natural gas (methane). Many upstream companies (companies which produce crude oil and natural gas) garner a significant portion of their revenue from the production and sale of NGLs, especially those who have a significant amount of “rich gas” assets, or natural gas assets “rich” in liquids. Some of these companies include Range Resources (RRC), Chesapeake Energy (CHK), SM Energy (SM), and Linn Energy (LINE). Price fluctuations in NGLs can affect the ultimate revenue and earnings of upstream companies, therefore, NGL prices are an important indicator to track in the energy space.

According to a presentation by the Midstream Energy Group, the average NGL barrel composition in December 2011 was ~43% ethane, ~28% propane, ~7% normal butane, ~9% isobutane, and ~13% pentanes or heavier hydrocarbons. Using this representative composite barrel, NGL prices rose from $37.46/barrel to $39.28/barrel for the week ended March 28, which is a positive short-term indicator for companies with NGL production.

Natural gas liquids prices have largely tracked crude oil prices historically. However, over recent years the composite barrel as a percentage of crude price has declined. This is because ethane and propane make up a large percentage of the average NGL barrel, but these two commodities especially have experienced a surge in supply due to the shale boom and have experienced a decline in prices.

Over the past few months, the natural gas liquid composite barrel has been roughly range-bound at ~$35-40/barrel, and is off its highs from 2011. Again, the price decline is largely due to the decrease in ethane and propane prices.

From a medium-to-long term perspective, despite NGL prices dropping off highs, many producers still find current price levels economic enough to continue to target and drill for NGLs. Additionally, this week saw NGL prices move slightly higher which was a short-term positive, and the current environment remains supportive for producers of NGLs such as CHK, RRC, SM and LINE, many of which are found in the Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE).